Utah's O'Brien makes transfer to SDSU official

J.J. O’Brien made his transfer from Utah official and signed a financial-aid agreement with San Diego State, which also allows Aztecs basketball coaches to talk about him.

“I recruited him really hard out of high school and was very saddened when we didn’t get him,” Coach Steve Fisher said of the 6-7 forward who will have three years of eligibility remaining after sitting out next season. “He’s a winner. He’s a guy who makes everyone around him better.

“Very intelligent, can play multiple positions, a phenomenal asset to us both as a person and as a player.”

Echoing his comments is former Utah coach Jim Boylen, who was replaced after the season by Larry Krystkowiak.

“He was a great guy to coach,” Boylen said. “He’s a big-time, versatile guy who can guard (positions) 1 through 4, who has high basketball IQ and comes from a terrific family. He can handle the ball. He can play pick and roll. He guarded Jimmer Fredette as well as anyone in the league as a true freshman.

“If he can continue to develop the way he did in 22 games with us, you’re going to have an NBA-caliber player on your hands.”